Middle Creek handled Pinecrest 56-40 on its home court Thursday night in the second round of the NCHSAA 4-A tournament.

Middle Creek jumped out to a 30-15 halftime lead behind the play of Nelson Kirksey, who led all scorers in the game with 16 points.

Middle Creek expanded its lead to 32 points at one point in the second half, as its defense made the difference in the game, said Middle Creek coach David Kushner.

"The biggest thing is that our defense is peaking at the right time," Kushner said. "We kind of struggled during the season but, these last couple games it’s really picked us up."

Middle Creek forward Brian Proulx came just short of a triple-double, as he tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks. Forward Garrius Adams added 15 points for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs will host Wilmington New Hanover in the next round of the playoffs tonight, a task Kushner said his team is ready for.

"This is the game I always hoped we would be able to play," Kushner said. "The defending state champion coming to our home court, we can’t ask for anything more than that. We take the momentum from this game, and more than anything, get a chance to prove to the state that we play some good basketball at Middle Creek."